Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 10th, 2015 7:18AM

The alpine rating is considerable, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Persistent Slabs, Wind Slabs and Deep Persistent Slabs.

mike.koppang, Alberta Parks

Kananaskis.

Skier accidental avalanche at Tent ridge on Sunday in the main bowl. See forecast details for more information and a photo here.

Summary

Confidence

Good

Weather Forecast

No new snow is expected overnight. Winds will continue out of the NW in the moderate range and temperatures will be around -8C mid day in Alpine terrain.

Avalanche Summary

Sz 2.5 skier accidental avalanche observed on a NE aspect at Tent ridge. The slide was 100m wide, up to 50cm deep and appeared to fail on top of the Dec 13th crust. Unknown at this time if there were any injuries. PHOTO

Snowpack Summary

Widespread wind affect in alpine terrain. At treeline, pockets of windslabs and persistent slabs overlying the Dec13th crust down 30-50cm. Moderate sheers persist at this interface on a layer of facets above the crust. Crust seems to disappear above 2300m. 1106CR down 120-140cm and is continuing to break down.

Problems

Persistent Slabs

This layer will be with us for the winter and seems the most "triggerable" at this time. Be heads up as you transition into wind affected terrain especially at treeline.

Avoid unsupported slopes.>Dig down to find and test weak layers before committing to a line.>Avoid cross loaded slopes at or above treeline.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

2 - 4

Wind Slabs

Hard windslabs are widespread in alpine areas.

Be aware of the potential for wide propagations due to the presence of hard windslabs.>Watch for areas of hard wind slab in steep alpine features.>Be careful with wind loaded pockets while approaching and climbing ice routes.>

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 4

Deep Persistent Slabs

Not much activity on this layer of late but its still in forecasters minds lingering at the base of the snowpack.

Avoid convexities or areas with a thin or variable snowpack.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

2 - 5

Valid until: Jan 11th, 2015 2:00PM